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Natural Resources Council of Maine

Protecting the Nature of Maine

Trails at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

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    skiers Travelers mountainsChosen By: Cathy Johnson, Senior Staff Attorney and Forests & Wildlife Director

    Location: Trails along the East Branch of the Penobscot River, Penobscot County

    Description: Bowlin Camps and Matagamon Wilderness Campground groom 30 miles of cross-country ski trails along the East Branch of Penobscot River, an area that Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. would like to donate as part of a 150,000-acre national park and national recreation area. The trails pass dense forests on one side and the waters of the East Branch on the other. There are outdoor campsites along the way, more frequently used by river paddlers in warmer months. Scenic backdrops include Messer Pond with the Travelers—connected peaks in the northeastern portion of Baxter State Park. Haskell Rock Pitch is one of several waterfalls (likely frozen!) along the route.

    Activities: Cross-country skiing, winter camping, hiking, paddling, walking, wildlife watching, bird watching

    Favorite Season(s) to Visit: Winter

    Why It’s Special: The skiing is peaceful here, with no noise from motorized vehicles. Nights are quiet, dark, and star-filled. This land is so special, it’s being proposed as part of a national park!

    Tips: Check on skiing conditions before you go by contacting Katahdin Woods and Waters lunksoos@gmail.com or Matagamon Wilderness Campground and Store. Download a map of the trails in advance, at NRCM’s website.

    More Info and Directions: Easy access to the groomed trails from the north end at Matagamon Wilderness Campground and Store or from the south end at Bowlin Camps.

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    About Cathy Johnson, former Senior Staff Attorney and Forests & Wildlife Director

    Cathy attended Yale University, then transferred to College of the Atlantic where she received her B.A. in 1974. She has worked for the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as for the National Parks Office of Nepal, before going to law school. She received her J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law in 1983 and was a trial lawyer in Damariscotta before joining NRCM staff in 1990. She and her partner, artist and illustrator Jon Luoma, live in Alna. They spend their leisure time hiking and canoeing Maine's North Woods, traveling the less developed parts of the world, gardening, and playing the violin and viola. Cathy retired as NRCM's Senior Staff Attorney and Forests & Wildlife Director in February, 2020, after 30 years at NRCM.